The Victoria Day weekend may be the unofficial Cottage Country kick-off, but there’s no need to leave the city to have a relaxing May Two-Four. With a waterfront that stretches over 20 km, Muskoka-inspired restaurants, scenic parks and cool breweries, you can skip the drive and capture the classic Canadian long weekend vibes right here in Mississauga.
PATIO RESTAURANTS
From rooftops to the waterfront, there are dozens of outdoor dining options throughout the city. For the ultimate chill vibes, try one of these patio picks:
- Stonehooker Brewing Company: Fans of craft beer will love this locally handcrafted brew. Grab a table at the biergarten and enjoy a pint alongside some tasty pub snacks. The dog and family-friendly patio features picnic table dining on the lawn with lots of umbrellas and a hint of nautical theming. There’s also a sandbox for kids to enjoy, and a fire pit for that perfect camp feeling. On select dates, you can also pull up an Adirondack chair to listen to live music.
- Snug Harbour: This seafood restaurant is a local favourite for good reason. With a covered patio looking out onto Lake Ontario, you can experience that summer cottage feeling right here in Sauga. Paired with some comfort food, the vibes are unbeatable.
- Turtle Jack’s Muskoka Grill: For a restaurant that captures that real cottage country feeling, look no further than Turtle Jack’s. With its cottage-inspired aesthetics and varied menu, including seasonal dishes, it’s perfectly tailored for a relaxing May long weekend meal.
- Bekfire: One of the trendiest patios in Mississauga, Befikre boasts a botanical rooftop dining oasis where you can taste a variety of small plates, including Indian fusion snacks. Its extensive drink menu featuring both cocktails and mocktails is another draw. The bottomless mimosas with five flavours of fresh juices are the perfect indulgence for an extra-long brunch.
- The Wilcox Gastropub: Serving unique, seasonal international eats, the Wilcox has a menu as cool as its outdoor dining. Bonus: if the weather doesn’t cooperate, the vibes inside are just as good, with a solarium-style dining area featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and tons of natural elements that bring the outdoors in.
BEACHES
Plant your umbrella, lay out a towel, and laze the day away or enjoy some fun in the sun at these beach day spots.
- Lakefront Promenade Park Beach: The perfect mix of amenities, Lakefront Promenade has the city’s largest beach and plenty of activities to go with it, with beach volleyball nets and a splashpad nearby. The man-made swimming area is calm and relatively shallow, ideal for a relaxing float or paddleboarding. Since it’s surrounded by sand on all sides, there’s no shortage of space to kick back.
- Jack Darling Memorial Park Beach: Next in size, Jack Darling has two different beaches. The first is larger, and the water here deepens more gradually, making it popular for families. The second beach is narrower, with water better suited for strong swimmers. Along with the waterfronts, Jack Darling also has a splash pad, a playground and an off-leash dog park.
- Richard’s Memorial Park Beach: Another beach with two distinct sections, Richard’s Memorial has a smaller and more peaceful area, along with a larger, more bustling beach. Other amenities include a playground, picnic areas and BBQs.
PARKS
With hundreds of parks in Mississauga, including nine waterfront parks in Port Credit alone, there are a plethora of scenic spaces to picnic, BBQ, or just hang with friends in the great outdoors.
- Lake Aquitaine Park: Want the lake views but not the sand? This park has beautiful sights to see along the waterfront walk. Stop for a rest on the boardwalk to enjoy the tranquillity of this lesser-known gem. Afterward, take advantage of the sports amenities, including disc golf nets.
- Scholars’ Green: Located next to Sheridan College, this contemporary public park is equipped with incredible amenities, including outdoor café areas and chess tables, but the hammocks are what set it apart as one of the best spots in Mississauga to spend a relaxing long weekend day.
- Churchill Meadow Park: Find even more hammocks – perfectly sized for kids – at Churchill Meadow’s natural outdoor playground. Highlights include a climbing structure made of logs for that in-the-forest feeling. The park also has a spray pad and sports fields to keep the fun going.
- Erindale Park: For the most variety, head to the largest park in Sauga. At Erindale, you can hike trails, walk along the Credit River, visit the playground or enjoy a leisurely picnic lunch.